Legislative Update: February 27, 2023

Dear Neighbors, 

With all the snow and now slippery rain, I hope you are staying cautious and safe out there. I want to thank our courageous snow plower drivers, public transit workers, and other workers for taking care of our roads and keeping Minnesotans moving. Minnesota's unpredictable weather has not slowed us down at the Capitol and this session in committees and on the House Floor, we’ve been historically productive. I’m particularly proud that last week, the legislature passed, and the Governor is expected to sign, two long-overdue bills that will to restore the vote to 55,000 disenfranchised Minnesotans, ensuring their right to fully participate in the voting process and Drivers License for All, to correct inequity by allowing all Minnesotans who want to operate a vehicle to do so legally by obtaining a license and purchasing required insurance. 

So far, we have made progress on the biggest issues facing Minnesota, including:

• Banning Conversion Therapy
• 100% renewable energy by 2040
• CROWN act
• Unemployment for miners
• 300 million for infrastructure
• PRO act
• Driver’s licenses for all
• No-cost school meals for children
• Food shelf funding 
• Earned Sick & Safe Time
• And so much more

Here’s an update on what’s been happening over the last few weeks in Saint Paul.

Gun Violence Prevention 

February 14 marked the fifth anniversary of the tragic mass shooting in Parkland, Florida at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, and we’re now reeling from yet another tragedy at Michigan State University. We need to take proactive measures to keep our communities safe.

Recently, victims of gun violence, physicians, and law enforcement organizations including the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, the Minnesota Sheriff’s Association, and the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association recently testified in support of four significant bills to address gun violence. These include:

• HF 14 would require criminal background checks on all gun sales in Minnesota. The legislation would close loopholes allowing dangerous felons and other prohibited individuals to purchase guns from unlicensed sellers.
• HF 15 would establish Extreme Risk Protection Orders. The legislation would allow a family member, law enforcement officer, or city or county attorney to petition a court to temporarily remove access to guns from individuals in crisis who may be in danger of harming themselves or others.
• HF 396 would require firearms and ammunition to be stored securely, an important step to prevent access by children.
• HF 601 would require gun owners to report lost or stolen firearms to law enforcement. Lost and stolen guns are often used in crimes or end up in the hands of those who may cause harm to themselves or others.

Minnesota DFLers and I are committed to implementing laws that will reduce and mitigate gun violence in our state. I had the privilege of meeting with the local Minnesota Mom’s Demand Action advocates this week to discuss the importance of addressing gun violence and the preventative measures our state needs to adopt to ensure we increase the safety and livelihood of our residents.

A Great Start for Every Child 

A lack of access to affordable, accessible child care for working families is one of the most pressing issues I’ve heard about since joining the Legislature. Additionally, with low reimbursement rates, child care providers are struggling to offer competitive wages and in some cases, to even keep their doors open.

The House passed a pair of bills with robust investments aimed at stabilizing child care and early learning. HF 13 increases the maximum reimbursement rates for all Child Care Assistance Program providers. HF 150 increases the amount of child care stabilization grants – a key initiative launched during the pandemic – for child care programs. The bill also expands eligibility for early learning scholarships to children age five or younger.

Child care and early learning are both crucial for kids to develop, grow, and learn, but also for family economic security. If a parent can’t afford daycare (if they can even find a daycare spot), they can’t join the workforce. If businesses can’t hire workers, then they can’t grow. I was proud to support these investments to help kids, families, and communities thrive.

Democracy for the People Act is Heard in Committee

The House Transportation Committee heard and voted to approve  HF3, the Democracy for the People Act.

This is a critical moment for our democracy. We know that solving our most significant challenges requires all of us to come together and build a democracy that centers the voices of all Minnesotans. I am grateful for the Transportation Committee's commitment to urgent action to protect and strengthen our democracy, which is what this legislation does.

The Democracy for the People Act seeks to protect and strengthen the freedom to vote, amplify the power of Minnesotans by reducing the influence of dark money and corporations in our politics, and ensure that our democracy is fair, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of Minnesotans across the state. 

Stay in Touch

Thank you for your time, energy, and all you do to make our community a great place for everyone. Please reach out to me with your input and ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance. My email is rep.emma.greenman@house.mn.gov or you are always welcome to call me at the Capitol at 651-296-4200 and follow my Facebook page for updates.

It’s an honor and a privilege to be your State Representative and I look forward to working with you to create a stronger, brighter future for all Minnesotans!  

Best, 

Emma Greenman

State Representative